The Pistons have an open roster spot but that doesn’t mean they will fill it anytime soon, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press writes. They could sign one of the better remaining free agents on the market — Tyus Jones, Markelle Fultz, Luke Kennard or Isaac Okoro — but they could just leave the spot open to facilitate a trade where they could acquire more future assets.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pistons in the play-in tournament next season? It’s not as far-fetched as it might sound, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic. Most of the other Eastern Conference teams who were in the play-in or lottery last season have not improved their rosters, with the possible exception of Miami. The Pistons, meanwhile, have added several solid veteran rotation players who will help them in the short run.
- Lonzo Ball confirmed that his “first real test” will be next month when he participates in 5-on-5 scrimmages, he said on ‘The WAE Show’ (hat tip to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago). The Bulls guard hasn’t played since Jan. 14, 2022 due to knee issues. Ball will make $21.4MM in the final year of his contract next season.
- In a GQ profile, Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton told Andrew Greif that his team is being overlooked as a major contender in the East. “All I keep seeing is, ‘Who’s going to win the East? Boston, Milwaukee, New York, or Philly?’” Haliburton said. “It’s like, what are we doing [not being included]? But again, we’re Indiana, people didn’t even know, people didn’t even watch us play until the playoffs. People didn’t watch us play until the second round. But again, that respect comes with winning. So if we want to gain that respect, we just got to keep having success as a team. And it’s coming.”
We already knew that the NBPA messed up with this new cba but seeing great players not being able to sign to team because of the aprons or whatever is insane. Jones and Fultz shouldnt still be on the market.
They will find teams, they are just not players you need right away. They are going to be bench contributors.
Fultz has an injury history and not a shooter or exceptional in any particular skill.
Jones is a pure pg but small and will he hunted on defense.
They as well as others compromise the between Christmas and deadline signings. If anyone gets hurt than it’s sooner.
Tyus is first up.
I feel that players always manage to play and to often play better during the last year of their contract. A statistical analysis over all the NBA would be interesting and probably informative. Most people would be motivated in the same circumstances.
If he can’t play pick up now. What makes him think that he will be able to play in a month?! Especially after not playing for 2 years and some change.
He’ll play… then he’ll sit because of knee soreness. Of course he’ll have knee soreness – he hasn’t played in two years!
You sit a car in the garage and don’t drive it for two years, then put it on the road, the car will have knee soreness.
Has no cartilage left.
Hope Lonzo saved up this money he got from not playing. He will only see minimums if he ever plays again.
He’s done ……
I really hope Lonzo’s camp isn’t pressuring Ball to push through his injury for a shot at another contract. It’s probably best for him to just call it quits. He’ll regret pushing too hard when he’s 45 and unable to walk.
That won’t hit him til 65, but I understand